Du Plessis says Proteas decided to give Ponting 'guard of honour' on field in Perth Test

Sydney, Dec 7(ANI): South Africa middle-order batsman Faf du Plessis has revealed that captain Graeme Smith instructed the players to give Ricky Ponting a 'guard of honour' in the second innings of the Perth Test match, which was the last of the veteran's glowing career.

"We had said we wanted to do something, but in the moment we were so focused on winning we had forgotten about it," News.com.au quoted Du Plessis, as saying.

"But when we got Watson out and he was due to come out to bat Graeme said, 'Let's go guys, let's make a guard of honour for him'," he added.

Du Plessis conceded he was disappointed Ponting was dismissed for eight runs.

"I was hoping he'd make runs, but we could still wrap up the win that day. Maybe a 50 for Ricky, just enough for it not to go into the fifth day," Du Plessis said.

Du Plessis flew into town on Wednesday and he will line up in a one-off match for the Melbourne Renegades in the BBL2 opener, a derby against the Melbourne Stars at Etihad Stadium on Friday. (ANI)

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